By Price
Best Retro Handhelds Under $150
The best retro handhelds under $150, ranked across vertical, clamshell, and Linux budget devices for the classic library through PS1 and N64.
The Shortlist, Ranked
Anbernic · ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ · 64.0
Best for: Best overall budget device — great balance of features and headroom.
Miyoo / Bittboy · ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ · 70.0
Best for: Best pocketable vertical for Game Boy through PS1.
Anbernic · ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ · $65 (+ shipping)
Best for: Best clamshell for screen protection and pocket carry.
Miyoo / Bittboy · ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ · 60.0
Why RG35XX Plus Wins
The RG35XX Plus is the best all-rounder under $150: dual MicroSD slots, a swappable 3300 mAh battery, and enough headroom to dip into N64 and Dreamcast while playing everything below flawlessly.
Under $150 the realistic performance ceiling is N64 and Dreamcast, and every pick here plays Game Boy, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, and PS1 flawlessly. The differences are comfort, screen, battery, and build.
The classic-library all-rounder: RG35XX Plus
The H700 chip, 1 GB of RAM, dual MicroSD slots, and a swappable 3300 mAh battery make this the easiest recommendation. It reaches a bit into N64 and Dreamcast, which the Miyoo Mini Plus does not.
The pocket pick: Miyoo Mini Plus
The lightest and most pocketable of the group. If your library is Game Boy through PS1 and you value carry comfort, this is the one.
The clamshell: RG35XX SP
Protects its screen when closed and feels great in the pocket. The best choice if you want a lid.
Verdict
The RG35XX Plus is the best single under-$150 device for most people. Pick the Miyoo Mini Plus for true pocketability or the RG35XX SP for a clamshell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an under-$150 handheld play PS2?
No — full-speed PS2 needs a Snapdragon-class Android device that costs more. Stay with Game Boy through N64/Dreamcast and you get a great device.
Linux or Android at this price?
Linux (as in the RG35XX Plus) gives a better out-of-the-box emulation set. Android in this range is usually underpowered.